This is the original proposal

Michael Manning

Documentary Media Arts

ARS402

Project Proposal

Project Title: Golem “Does anyone see me?”

(the title is work in progress, I’ll think of something better)

Should I give it a name, like call him Gol? It would be easier to write and talk about in discussions for me. Referring to the idea as  ‘it’ feels weird after awhile.

Introduction:

The artwork will be a life-like mannequin fully clothed alone and isolated. He sits on a bench alone to stare out into a window to be left alone with its thoughts. Does anyone notice him or do people choose to ignore him? Are people too consumed with what they’re doing to notice or don’t want to get involved?

Project Description:

I don’t know how to describe the matter of the subject, it would fall under social experiment, perspective, a study of isolation/depression, I was told its a line between reality and fantasy.

This idea is a personal matter I’ve often experienced, I’m not very social. I find myself at times sitting alone at some desk or spot somewhere working alone. I choose to be alone a lot of the time, but other times I kinda wished I wasn’t. Wished sometimes I could try having a conversation with someone or make friends. I don’t sometimes, I sit at my spot for a while alone. Feeling alone and isolated, people walk by me and later the same people walk by me when I’m still in that same spot. When they pass by I wonder if they see me or they ignore me.

I’m going to create a lifelike mannequin, looks convincing enough to fool people to believe its a real person. The mannequin will be clothed, painted, and bendable joints to change its posture. It will be placed somewhere in public in a position that would suggest its depressed. When people pass by the mannequin, they won’t know it’s a mannequin unless they interact with it. The objective would be to see how people would respond to the mannequin; would they notice it, ignore it and go on with there day, or would they check on it.

Technical / Conceptual issues

• Should be noticeable, but he can’t be obvious. People should be able to walk by him when people do walk by they should notice him out of concern or curiosity.
• The mannequin shouldn’t be placed in highly populated areas; cafeterias, libraries, or lobbies. I’ve considered the thought in my head,  

When it is positioned, I’ll be watching it from a close enough distance to monitor it. I can collect data from where I’m positioned by recording it on video or maybe taking pictures. I’ll be within the range of the mannequin so I can intervene if someone tries to vandalize it or remove it from its position. I’m considering whether to go up to some people who make interacts with the mannequin for their statements and reasoning why they did.

Outcomes:

There would be various outcomes of data and information to witness.

• I’ll make a mannequin that looks like a person, when it’s in the world it will become some part of society. The everyday routine of the world.
  • I would see social behavior and interactions.

 

What are the practical outcomes for your project? (bullet points/list) Describe what you will produce; what are the expected material outcomes to your work? Be practical and quantify the amount in literal terms. How many artworks, images? How big? Where?

Methods and Materials:

The materials of the mannequin, it would be a mash-up of materials using cardboard, wax, wire, (maybe wood), tape, garbage bags, hot glue, and clothes.

The body structure would draw reference to a Drawing Figure Model, using human anatomy as another reference for creating complex body parts.

Identify and describe the production methods, media, materials and the process involved in making your project; specify any special equipment, printing, lighting, and relevant tools. (bullet points/list)

Time Schedule:

Wasn’t sure of the time it would take but am sure it would take me long hours fiddling around in the sculpture room at night.

Include a detailed calendar with research aims, production goals, and technical requirements. (bullet points/list)

References:

One of the artists that relate to my work.

“Guardians of Time” by Manfred Kielnhofer